All-purpose shredded chicken prepared in the Crockpot that is seasoned, slow cooked for the entire day, and ready to go in any of your favorite wraps, tacos, or casseroles. Or, you can freeze it to use for later!.
I have to admit that this straightforward, everyday-looking crockpot full of chicken is one of my all-time favorite recipes on my blog.
One of those recipes that I always have on hand during the chaos of mealtime is this one.
This is just as delicious as rotisserie chicken, but you can make a huge batch at home and store it in the freezer for up to two months!
In my recipe, I’m supposed to use about 3 pounds of chicken, which works out to about four large chicken breasts.
It can cook on low all day long and still be incredibly juicy because it goes straight into the crockpot with some chicken broth and seasonings.
I therefore receive a total of about 6 cups of shredded chicken for the 3 pounds of chicken.
I then simply let it cool after shredding, saving about two cups for the week in the refrigerator, and freezing the remainder.
You can divide it up however you like, but I usually save 1-2 cups per zip-lock bag!
If you want to have a lot of shredded chicken on hand, you can also simply double this recipe.
This chicken really does have all-purpose flavor and pairs well with anything; once it’s cooked and shredded, you can add things like hot sauce, ranch dressing, taco seasoning, salsa, and other awesome things. etc. and incorporate it into your salads for the following week to simplify your life and liven up your salad.
How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Shredded Chicken
To have cooked chicken available whenever you need it for a variety of quick and simple shredded chicken recipes throughout the week, divide your crockpot pulled chicken into smaller portions and store in the refrigerator or freezer as desired.
Best Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Seasonings for Crockpot Shredded Chicken
The best seasonings for chicken if you want to use it in a variety of recipes are salt and pepper because they go with just about any dish.
Here are some additional seasoning suggestions to take into account, though, if you want to give your simple crockpot shredded chicken breast more flavor:
FAQ
Is it better to slow cook chicken breast on low or high?
For the best results, always cook your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on low heat. Even if you check it early in the cooking process, I do not advise cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH because it will become very dry.
Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken in a slow cooker; if the meat is cooked for an excessively long time, it may become dry and tough. If you use less chicken than called for in the recipe, I would advise checking it sooner because the recommended times in my recipe are ideal for juicy results.
Do you need liquid to slow cook chicken breast?
No, you don’t need to add any chicken broth or chicken stock as long as the breast pieces are arranged in a single layer and in contact with the slow cooker. I don’t advise doing this if you’re doing multiple layers because you’ll need to add liquid to cover the meat.
Can you cook chicken in slow cooker for 2 hours?
According to America’s Test Kitchen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts should be cooked in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours on low. Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts: 2-3 hours on Low. Chicken Thighs: 3-4 hours on Low.